Samba’s Love and Bold Abduction
Samba, the valiant son of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Jāmbavatī, once fell deeply in love with Lakṣmaṇā, the beautiful daughter of Duryodhana, prince of the Kuru dynasty.
But the Kurus, proud of their royal lineage, refused to give their daughter to a Yādava prince. Bound by passion and royal pride, Samba chose to act boldly. He entered Hastināpura, and like a lion among men, abducted Lakṣmaṇā from the palace gardens during a festive occasion.
The Kuru elders—Bhiṣma, Droṇa, Karṇa, Aśvatthāmā, Kṛpa, and Duryodhana—were outraged by this act. Though Samba had violated custom, it was not considered sinful in the code of kṣatriyas, where forceful abduction (rākṣasa marriage) was an accepted tradition when done by a noble warrior. Yet the Kurus, driven by anger and pride, prepared for battle.
Samba Is Captured
Despite Samba’s great valor, he was outnumbered and surrounded by the mighty warriors of the Kuru dynasty. Fighting alone with his bow like a blazing fire, he held his ground until his chariot was broken and his weapons exhausted. Finally, the Kurus overpowered and imprisoned Samba, dragging him into Hastināpura in chains.
This act, however, was against kṣatriya dharma, for it was forbidden to imprison a single warrior after defeating him in battle, especially when he had fought bravely and without deceit.
The Yādavas Respond
When the news reached Dvārakā, the Yādava court was inflamed with fury. Ugrasena, the elder, was deeply offended. Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, and the entire Yadu army immediately marched toward Hastināpura with righteous anger.
Yet, as always, Kṛṣṇa remained calm and wise. Before waging war, He sent a peaceful envoy to appeal to the Kuru elders, reminding them of dharma and requesting the release of Samba and Lakṣmaṇā.
Balarāma’s Patience Runs Thin
But when the Kurus refused and mocked the Yādavas, Lord Balarāma became furious. With His plow (hala), He threatened to destroy Hastināpura, pulling the city toward the Ganges by force of His divine strength. The earth trembled. Rivers overflowed. The Kurus panicked.
At last, realizing the divine power and dharmic authority of the Yādavas, the Kurus begged forgiveness. They returned Samba and Lakṣmaṇā with honor, and peace was restored.
The Marriage and Honor Restored
Samba married Lakṣmaṇā in accordance with Vedic rites. The Kurus gave vast dowries and reconciled with the Yādavas. Kṛṣṇa forgave them, for His heart was free from ego and anchored in dharma.
This episode became an example of how pride blinds kings, how peace is preferred before war, and how divine justice always prevails.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Pride and insult can destroy the bonds between great dynasties; humility restores them.
- Even when wronged, Kṛṣṇa seeks peace before punishment.
- The strength of Balarāma is the strength of dharma—it crushes arrogance and restores righteousness.
- True love, like that of Samba and Lakṣmaṇā, is powerful, but it must be upheld with honor.
- The Lord supports His devotees, not blindly, but with wisdom and justice.
As the Mahābhārata declares:
“Where there is Kṛṣṇa, there is victory.”
– Bhagavad-gītā 18.78
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Samba’s Abduction of Lakṣmaṇā and the Intervention of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma
